Heeeey, Montreal! 🙋 Ilana from MTL Blog here with an extra long "hey" because it's been extra long since I've spoken to you on account of the long weekend.
Did you enjoy the incredible weather? They say Victoria Day aka National Patriots' Day aka the May long weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and while it doesn't always feel that way temperature-wise, it certainly did this year. The good news is that it looks like we have more sunny, hot days ahead.
Hopefully you're surviving being back at work today. If you're struggling, just remember the best part of a long weekend is that it leads to a short week. In this latest edition of Montreal This Week, we have everything you need to know to crush said short week: top news stories, weather, best things to do, restaurant recommendations and more — so let's dive right in (just like we've all been wanting to dive into a City of Montreal swimming pool, most of which are now open for the summer).
THINGS TO KNOW
🌊 AHOY, RIVER SHUTTLES
The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)'s water taxis are back in action for a second season, ready to shuttle you between Greater Montreal destination points along the Saint Lawrence River. Whether you're looking for a way to skip traffic or you simply want to enjoy the riverside views, it's well worth checking out the timetable and giving this new mode of transport a try. Pro Tip: The Boucherville route is free to make up for construction on the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel.
⛺ MCGILL ENCAMPMENT STAYS... FOR NOW
Last week, we told you McGill University lawyers were heading to court to ask for an injunction that would allow the university to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that's been on its downtown front lawn for about a month, as student protestors demand divestment from companies tied to Israel. Here's an update: a Quebec Superior Court judge denied the request. This means the mini tent city can stay — at least, for now. There's a chance McGill will modify and refile the request, as the judge recommended. You can read Justice Marc St-Pierre's full judgment here.
💸 WHO WANTS TO BE A (MULTI)MILLIONAIRE?
Lotto Max has reached a major jackpot milestone — and it's not too late to vie for the prize. Pick your numbers before 10:30 p.m., and you could win $70 million in Tuesday night's draw, which is the maximum possible amount for this particular game. There are also 10 MAXMILLIONS available for the taking, each worth approximately $1 million. In the last draw, four winning tickets came from Quebec. Good luck!
WEATHER
A severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon may foreshadow a rainy week, but there will likely still be a few beautiful days mixed in. Predictions suggest a weekly high of 30 degrees on Wednesday, and a weekly low of 10 degrees on Friday night.
☀️ Expect sunshine on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (though on Wednesday and Sunday, we'll probably see clouds, too).
☔ Showers are expected Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
💨 As of Tuesday,
Air Quality was at a level three. While this is still considered "low risk," it's not as low as previous weeks' level two and level one ratings. Meanwhile, Western Canada continues to battle wildfires, and the smoke could be wafting over into our airspace.
You can find the full seven-day forecast on the Environment Canada website. Predictions are subject to frequent change.
STAFF PICKS
Your guide to #NoFomo.
🍽️ WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Cookie ice-cream sandwich at Frisquet
"I don't know about you, but as the weather warms, my attention begins to turn to one thing and one thing only: ice cream. I've been wanting to try artisan creamery Le Frisquet for ages and finally got the chance last weekend. Known for its decadent gelato and cookie ice-cream sandwiches, this place is the summer's hottest spot to cool down. The Sucré-Salé, vanilla ice cream wedged between two pretzel cookies then stuffed with oozing salted caramel, has been living rent free in my head, and will probably continue to do so until I try another flavour." 📍970, rue Rachel E. — Ilana Belfer, Senior Writer, MTL Blog
Cocktails and fresh bites at Terrasse Alizé
"Terrasse season is officially on in Montreal and the brand-new Terrasse Alizé needs to be on your summer bucket list. Located on the ninth floor of the Humaniti Hotel right in the heart of downtown, Alizé is not to be missed. With great music and even better views of the city, Terrasse Alizé offers cocktails — and mocktails! — as well as delish bites, including oysters, calamari, a fresh tomato and burrata salad and more." 📍340, rue de la Gauchetière O. (9th floor) — Mike Chaar, Assistant Editor, MTL Blog
🎲 WHAT TO DO
- The Black Hole Experience (Until Thursday at the Old Port's Grand Quay): You can experience the wonderment of peering into a black hole at The Black Hole Experience, an immersive mobile exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Kelly Nunes, which is here as part of C2 Montreal, the city's annual creative business conference. "Housed in a 53' double expandable trailer, this 1000 sq. ft. exhibition features an LED tunnel that guides you to a mesmerizing black hole projection chamber," Mike Chaar writes about the installation. "It encourages visitors to seek light in darkness, exchange fear for curiosity, and find potential for growth in the unknown."
- 'Tacosmania' Boozy Brunch (Sunday at 180g Café & Record Shop): What's better than a boozy brunch? Honestly, not a whole lot. But definitely one that includes tacos, dancing and a DJ set by Cidoine x Rubby Jane. Organized by Groovy and Chill in collaboration with Ma Mère En Feu, the Facebook event description promises the tacos will be "Cheap but Gooooooood!!" plus the terrasse at 180g is open. Let's guac and roll (sorry... I swear the event will be much cooler than that lame pun).
- Dame Festive (Saturday and Sunday in Lachine): Inspired by New Orleans street parties, this new festival coming to Lachine combines art, entertainment, games and beer. The musical program, which includes 15 performances in genres ranging from jazz to reggae, will be headlined by The Royal Pickles and Danny Rebel & The KGB so get ready to dance under the spring sky. You'll also be able to taste products from Quebec microbreweries, distilleries and restaurants as well as discover local artisans selling everything from crafts to tattoos. Entry and concerts are totally free.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
An aerial view of an IKEA food court.Alexandr Bilnov | Dreamstime
No trip to IKEA is complete without a stop at the foodcourt. Now, you can get 50% off the Swedish furniture giant's iconic dishes... meatballs anyone? Find out how, when and where at the link below!
ICYMI: Last week's top story
A Montreal restaurant just ranked first among the best places to eat in Canada (again)
A server speaks with guests at Vin Mon Lapin. Right: Someone dips fried smelt in dill mayo at Bar Saint-Denis.@vinmonlapin | Instagram, @matthieu_goyer and @barsaintdenis | Instagram
The prestigious Canada’s 100 Best ranking is out, and Montreal has a lot to celebrate this year. Not only did a local restaurant rank first in the whole country, but 27 other Montreal restaurants made the cut. The city's dominance in this year's rankings reinforces its status as a top food destination. Bon Appétit!
POLL
Montreal park season is upon us! Hurray! However, there is one downside to living in a city that's packed with gorgeous green spaces... deciding where to hang out. So which Montreal park is the best Montreal park? So far, 56% of you say Parc La Fontaine in the Plateau Mont-Royal. Head to ASKMontreal to vote or comment.
A screenshot of a poll taken from AskMontreal.AskMontreal
PUB TRIVIA (AT HOME)
Brought to you by Quizmaster Brian
🎉 Last week's answer: Martin Short
🤔 This week's question: Which actor's head is put into a pink toilet in The Big Lebowski?
Tune in next week for the answer and a new question!
Thanks for reading Montreal This Week. What did you like (or dislike) about today's edition? And what other information do you need to start your week off right? You can reach me with all feedback at ilana.belfer@mtlblog.com.
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